Aussie ‘beast’s vicious comeback KO stuns
Sam Goodman’s decision to risk his status as mandatory challenger to super bantamweight megastar Naoya “The Monster” Inoue came to fruition, scoring a unanimous decision victory over unbeaten Chainoi Worawut.
Goodman took it 117-111, 117-113, 119-109 over the eighth-ranked fighter from Thailand.
The Wollongong native never really looked troubled but did suffer some damage to his left hand in the middle of the fight. It led to Goodman using his right hand more down the stretch.
It’s understood Goodman told those in his corner that he felt his hand crunch in the fourth- sixth rounds and then later in the ninth. Reports from the venue claim he broke his hand.
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – JULY 10: Sam Goodman punches Chanoi Worawut during their Super Bantamweight World Title Eliminator bout at Wollongong Entertainment Centre on July 10, 2024 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) Getty
Yet that did not sway Goodman on his potential bout with the Japanese champion at the end of the year.
“It was hurting in round four or six,” he said post-fight.
“Later in the fight I felt it go even more. We’ll got get a scan. It shouldn’t keep me out for too long. I should be right by year’s end for the world title.
“We want ‘The Monster’. We’re coming for him. We’ll go get this hand looked at and we’ll go.”